Ulster Bank League: Division 1B Previews

A few cracking provincial derbies this weekend in Division 2B with something to play for in every game. The action kicks off with a Friday Night Lights clash between Buccaneers in third and Corinthians in second.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, March 15

Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated -

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CORINTHIANS remain favourites to secure second spot but their 10-5 away defeat to Shannon in a back match has provided them with some added pressure.

If Buccaneers, currently in fourth position, can manage to beat them in this Friday night derby it will add a bit of spice to the end of the season.

There's unlikely to be much in it, given that Corinthians only got home by 19-18 in the first encounter between the clubs.

In fact, Buccaneers outscored their rivals by two tries to one in that encounter. What's more, they had an excellent 29-10 bonus point away success over Shannon on their last outing.

UL Bohemians (4th) v Shannon (5th), Anacotty, 1.30

FASCINATING clash between these two great Limerick rivals. Fourth placed UL Bohs could certainly
do with the points in their chase of Corinthians in second spot.

But they know they can expect absolutely no favours from a Shannon side that upset Corinthians to push further up the table. Shannon's decision to go with their younger players seems to be paying off.

Furthermore, they beat UL Bohs 13-9 at Coonagh, so are going for the double. However, UL Bohs have a goalkicker in top form, Robbie Bourke having landed four penalties and a conversion in their 19-12 away victory over Dublin University.

Belfast Harlequins (6th) v Malone (7th), Deramore Park

MUCH more at stake for Malone than their local rivals Belfast Harlequins. Despite a recent improvement in form, Malone still find themselves in the relegation dogfight.

They are currently fourth from bottom, just ahead of Dublin University ad Blackrock College. Belfast Harlequins, by comparision, are in a safe mid-table spot.

Belfast Harlequins emerged victorious 25-15 when the sides met earlier in the campaign.

But Malone's form has improved and Belfast Harlequins will definitely need to step up on their effort when losing 28-15 to Blackrock if they are to complete the double.

Dungannon (10th) v Blackrock College (9th), Stevenson Park

ABSOLUTELY vital game for both teams. If Dungannon are to have any chance to getting off the bottom of the table the simply cannot afford another loss.

But they really have been very disappointing, conceding five tries in losing their last match 31-5 away to Corinthians.

Blackrock, by contrast, had an encouraging 28-12 home victory over Belfast Harlequins.

The worry for 'Rock, however, is that they lost 32-21 to Dungannon when they played them at Stradbrook. That result suggests that this could well be a hard fought game.

Terenure College (1st) v Dublin University (8th), Lakelands

TERENURE COLLEGE are surely now the champions elect but they would like nothing better than to maintain their 100 per cent record until the end of their campaign.

On the face of it, the leaders should have little difficulty with a struggling Dublin University. That said, they will not be taking anything for granted, given that the students are so desperate for points in their battle to avoid relegation.

Crucially, Dublin University have improved considerably from earlier in the season and gave a very decent account of themselves in the Colours match.

What's more, they showed well in only losing 26-17 to Terenure when they sides met at Sydney Parade.

The competition organisers have confirmed that Portlaoise Rugby Club will be the venue for the upcoming Ulster Bank Junior Cup final between Ashbourne and Kilfeacle & District, with the game kicking off at 2.30pm on Saturday, January 27.

The 2017 IRFU/Ulster Bank 'Your Club, Your Country' Grand Prize Draw was carried out today in the Aviva Stadium as the fundraising scheme surpassed the four million euro mark for money raised for clubs.

A novel pairing will play off for the Ulster Bank All-Ireland Junior Cup title in the New Year, with first-time finalists Kilfeacle & District taking on Ashbourne who are bidding to become back-to-back champions.

Sean Kearns' 13 points from the tee helped St. Mary's College edge out hosts UCD - 23-22 - in a compelling Division 1A contest at the Belfield Bowl on Friday. UCD outscored Mary's by three tries to two but Kearns' accuracy proved crucial.

Young Munster travelled to Dubarry Park last Saturday to take on Buccaneers with both clubs looking to record their first Ulster Bank League Division 1A win of the season. Check out the match highlights from Irish Rugby TV.

Round 2 of the Ulster Bank League and Blackrock hosted Cashel in Division 2A. A first half penalty try set Cashel on their way to a well-judged 27-13 win at Blackrock. There was much to admire about the visitors' performance, which was topped off by winger Richard Kingston's bonus point score four minutes from the end

Monday was community legacy day at Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 as the IRFU's 'Spirit of Rugby' programme brought together some local disability rugby players from DLSP Eagles, Seapoint Dragons and Westmanstown Wasps, and a number of WRWC players and coaches from the competing nations, for a fun-filled coaching/training session and Tag rugby games.

Take a look behind the scenes at this year's Ulster Bank League Division 1A final. In the dressing room, the players' tunnel and pitchside as Cork Constitution defeated Clontarf 25-21 in a tense encounter at the Aviva Stadium.

The UL Bohemians Women's squad completed a fantastic season for the club by winning the All-Ireland Cup final against Blackrock - 26-17 - at Dubarry Park on Sunday. It was a third 2016/17 title for Mike Storey's side who were also crowned All-Ireland League and Munster Senior Cup champions.

Number 8 Michael Noone helped himself to a hat-trick of tries at Anglesea Road as Clontarf maintained their push for the Ulster Bank League Division 1A play-offs and Old Belvedere fell to the bottom of the table.

25 unanswered first half points put Old Belvedere on their way to a 44-14 Ulster Bank Bateman Cup semi-final victory over Ballynahinch at Anglesea Road. 'Belvo will meet defending champions Cork Constitution in the final at the end of April.

The sun shone on Co. Carlow Rugby Club last Sunday as the Aviva Mini Rugby Festival rolled into town. It was a chance for the hundreds of boys and girls to enjoy a day of fantastic rugby and to tell us who their favourite rugby players are.

The Aviva Mini Rugby Festival visited UL Bohemians last Saturday and it was fun-filled day for the hundreds of boys and girls taking part. There was also a special guest appearance from Ireland Women's captain and UL Bohs favourite Niamh Briggs.

Maeve McMahon, Director of Customer Experience and Products, Ulster Bank, talks about another successful Ulster Bank League Awards night which saw 14 individual awards presented to players, coaches and PROs from across the island.

Cork Constitution lock Conor Kindregan was voted the Ulster Bank League Division 1A Player of the Year, picking up the honour from Joe Schmidt at this week's Ulster Bank League Awards in the Aviva Stadium.

Ahead of the the Ulster Bank League Division 1A final, we spoke to Blayney Russell of Clontarf and Peter Good of Cork Constitution about the big match and how the two clubs have fared this season at every level.

Ben Reilly wants his Clontarf side to show the kind of form that put them top of the league this season but he knows that Cork Con will offer a serious physical challenge in the Ulster Bank League final in Sunday. Tickets are available from ticketmaster.ie.